In a recent LinkedIn post, Simon Squibb challenges the prevailing narrative that social media is the primary culprit behind societal ills affecting young people, arguing instead for a broader examination of various influential factors. Squibb, addressing backlash to a previous post, seeks to clarify his stance by highlighting what he perceives as a selective focus on technology companies while overlooking other long-standing issues that impact youth.
Questioning the Narrative on Social Media’s Impact
Squibb opens by questioning why decades of traditional news consumption that may have negatively affected young minds are not subjected to the same scrutiny as social media. He points out the widespread criticism directed at social media platforms, suggesting that while some of it may be justified, it unfairly absolves other entities of responsibility. “Isn’t it funny how we don’t talk about how news for decades has hurt young minds?” Squibb asks in his post, drawing a parallel between traditional media and contemporary digital platforms.
“We’re all jumping on the back of social media companies. And yes, with some justification. But let’s not blame social media for all the issues.”
According to Squibb, attributing all problems to social media oversimplifies complex issues. He raises several examples to support his argument, including the mental health impact on graduates struggling to find employment, questioning if universities should be held accountable. “Not having a job after coming out of uni causes mental health issues. Let’s sue all the unis?” he posits.
Broader Societal Influences on Youth
The entrepreneur further elaborates on other societal elements that he believes warrant more attention. He highlights the proliferation of vape shops near schools and the significant stress and potential harm caused by academic pressure. Squibb expresses dismay at the normalization of high-stakes exams that can have severe consequences for students who do not succeed.
“We make kids do exams that cause some to kill themselves when they fail. And we just let that be normal. That’s mental.”
Squibb also touches upon the pervasive influence of fast-food advertising, citing McDonald’s as an example of a company whose products are widely consumed by children despite potential health concerns. He contrasts this with the intense criticism faced by tech companies, suggesting a societal tendency to seek a scapegoat. “I get it. People want to hang someone. Why not tech?” he writes.
The Role of Education Over Bans
Despite acknowledging the potential negative aspects of social media, Squibb emphasizes its positive influence, citing personal observations and the feedback from his own content consumers. He shares a personal anecdote about his 8-year-old son being exposed to news of a war, illustrating how distressing information can reach children through various channels, not just social media. “My son is 8. He got in the car yesterday and heard how hundreds died in a war. At 9am. That will mess you up,” Squibb shares.
“This has been happening to kids for decades. Radio. TV. News. But we’re not blaming them. It’s all social media’s fault apparently.”
Ultimately, Squibb advocates for education as the solution, rather than outright bans. He believes teaching children how to critically consume and use various forms of media, including social media, is more effective. “The answer is education. Teach kids what to consume. How to use it. Not a ban,” he concludes, linking this back to the issue of vaping and its impact on young people.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Simon Squibb on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 28, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →